The role of Nihal Ziyagil in the 2008 television adaptation of the novel Aşk-ı Memnu propelled Hazal Kaya to significant visibility within the Turkish entertainment industry. Since her screen debut in 2006, she has consistently secured lead roles in high-rating television dramas and cinematic projects, establishing herself as one of the most commercially successful performers in her country.
Early Development and Training
Born on 1 October 1990 in Gaziantep, Kaya attended Gaziosmanpaşa elementary school before graduating from the Liceo Italiano di Istanbul in 2009. She subsequently enrolled at Istanbul Bilgi University. During her youth, she received seven years of instruction in both ballet and violin. Her formal acting preparation included studies under Ayla Algan and participation in the Ümit Çırak Modern Acting Techniques Workshop.
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Kaya entered the industry in 2006 with the series Genco, portraying Özge. Following guest appearances in projects such as Acemi Cadı, Sıla, and Taşların Sırrı, she gained prominence through her work on Aşk-ı Memnu. Her cinematic career commenced in 2011 with the film Çalgı Çengi, directed by Selçuk Aydemir. Her pivotal performance occurred in the series Adını Feriha Koydum, where she played Feriha Yilmaz, a porter's daughter navigating dual social realities.
Professional Expansion and International Recognition
Her portfolio includes lead characters in series such as Son Yaz Balkanlar 1912, A.Ş.K, and Maral: En Güzel Hikayem. From 2017 to 2019, she starred as Filiz Elibol Aktan in Bizim Hikaye, a local adaptation of the British series Shameless. She also featured in the Netflix historical drama Midnight at the Pera Palace as Esra/Peride. Industry recognition includes the Lebanon Awards in 2015 and various honors for her contributions to television.
Personal Life and Legal Issues
In February 2019, Kaya married actor Ali Atay. The couple has two children, born in 2019 and 2023. In April 2023, she faced legal proceedings in which prosecutors sought a prison sentence of two years and four months following a social media post regarding a sergeant convicted of the rape of Ipek Er.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 October 1990, Gaziantep, Turkey
- Spouse: Ali Atay (married 2019)
- Languages spoken: Turkish, Italian, English
- Education: Liceo Italiano, Istanbul Bilgi University
- Acting debut: 2006
- Notable role: Filiz Elibol Aktan in Bizim Hikaye
Questions readers ask
What was Hazal Kaya's first major television role?
Her breakout performance was playing Nihal Ziyagil in the 2008 adaptation of Aşk-ı Memnu.
Which international streaming platform features her work?
She stars as the lead in the Netflix historical drama series Midnight at the Pera Palace.
